First Degree Innocence (21 page)

“I don’t dare get my hopes up until the day I walk out of this place. And before our time is up, I wanted to thank you for finding my father. I have to admit seeing him was quite a shock after so many years, but I’m happy to know he hadn’t completely forgotten me.”

“It took some doing to locate him, so I’m happy you aren’t angry with me. Seth told me that you didn’t have anyone to count on, and I believe everyone has the right to have someone who loves them in their corner.”

“Where did you find my dad?”

“In the San Fernando Valley, just outside of Los Angeles. Only a few hours away. Ironic isn’t it.”

“He’s coming back to visit me again.”

“That’s wonderful, Carrie. Maybe you two can work on re-building your relationship when you’re a free woman again.”

“Free woman. You have no idea how great that sounds. I pray you can make it happen.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not going to stop until you’re out of this place. Seth would never forgive me if I failed you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got work to do.”

He hung up the phone and stood, warming her heart with his smile.

She replaced the heavy receiver back in the cradle. “Thank you,” she mouthed.

Standing outside the door waiting to be escorted back to her cell, she wanted to dance, sing, and most of all punch Ogden in her ugly face. The day would come, but not today. For now she’d just keep silent until freedom became reality and not just a hope.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Carrie returned to find her cell empty due to rec hours. She meandered down the hallway and was allowed in the gym by the guard on duty. Just inside the door, Jet, engaged in her regular workout, pierced Carrie with a warning stare. She ignored it and crossed the room to where Susanna stood and beckoned. The rest of the gals were engaged in their usual card game.

“Was it your Dad again?” She pulled Carrie down on the bench next to her.

Should she tell or should she keep her encouraging news to herself? The last thing she needed was for Jet or any of the guards to overhear. A lie now and the truth when she and Susanna were alone together seemed the best idea. “Yes, we had a nice visit.” The words rolled off her tongue with ease.

“Did he bring anyone with him?”

“No, he came alone.”

Susanna’s enthusiasm waned; her posture sagged. “I thought maybe you got to meet one or both of your siblings.”

“Not yet, but he did say he’d be back.”

“Does that make you anxious?”

“A little, I guess. But I’ve decided I like the idea of having a father, even though it’s been so long. Imagine,” Carrie stared into space. “I have a family I’ve yet to meet.”

Excitement about her possible release bubbled up and was hard to contain. With any luck, she’d meet her new family sooner rather than later. For the first time in months, she felt like dancing.

“Boy,” Susanna pulled her out of her dream. “Jet is certainly keeping her eye on you today.”

“Who cares? Let her look all she wants. I’m done with her bullshit.”

Susanna leaned away and studied her with a critical eye. “Who are you, really, and what have you done with the meek and mild Carrie Lang I used to know?” She laughed.

“You’re lookin’ at her. She just grew up and decided to stop allowing herself to be bullied.”

The smile disappeared from Susanna’s lips. Carrie turned and followed her friend’s gaze. Jet approached, wiping her brow with a towel slung around her neck. “I guess I’m about to get a chance to prove I mean what I say.”

Jet glared at her and motioned toward the outside door with a jerk of her thumb.

Carrie followed her, stepping into the chilly November air. She huddled next to the building and hugged herself. “What do you want now?”

“I want you to live up to your end of the bargain and plant the shiv in Crane’s stuff tonight.”

“Sorry, no can do.” Carrie braced for the storm that brewed in Jet’s ebony eyes. Her teeth chattered and she wasn’t sure it was from being cold.

“What the fuck do you mean?” The veins in the bully’s neck bulged.

“Just what I said.” Carrie pulled back her shoulders and stood straighter. “I’m not going to help you take out your stupid revenge on Susanna.”

Jet’s finger waggled in her face. “Do you remember what I said would happen to you if you reneged on our deal? Let me remind you…something to do with a body bag.”

“I remember, but you know what, bitch?” Carrie leaned closer until her nose was mere inches from Jet’s. “I’m through taking orders from you. All I can say is do your best.”

She spun on her heel, yanked open the door and ducked inside before Jet had a chance to see her trembling hands and the look she imagined displayed disbelief at her own show of courage.

* * * * *

Carrie plopped down on the edge of Susanna’s bunk. “I’m pretty proud of myself.”

Susanna, already stretched out on her bed, propped herself up on her elbows. “Why’s that?”

“Because I defied Jet and told her I was through with her and her bullying tactics,”

Susanna smiled. “I knew under that meek exterior you had some big cojones.”

“Big what?”

“Balls, girl, big balls.” Susanna swiveled around and put her feet on the floor. “What do you think Jet’s gonna do?”

“She mentioned something about a body bag, so I imagine you and I need to watch our backs. Now you aren’t her only target.” The calmness in her voice surprised even her.

“Are you scared?”

“A little I suppose, but I’m not going to let it ruin the good news I got today.”

Susanna turned to her with a raised brow. “What good news?”

“I didn’t want to tell you earlier because I don’t want anyone else to know.” She kept her voice low. “Seth’s P.I. friend came to see me today, not my father. Ryan told me he has some new evidence to present to the court that he believes is irrefutable and will prove my innocence.” A shudder vibrated Carrie’s whole body. She pumped her fisted hands in the air. “I’m so excited I can hardly contain myself.” She smoothed her palms along her pant legs. “But I have to wait until Ryan gathers everything together to convince the justice system they’ve convicted the wrong person.”

“That’s great.” Susanna grabbed Carrie’s hand and squeezed. “I’m so happy for you. Did he give you an idea of how long it might take?”

“No, but he did show me a picture of the person he believes drove the getaway car, and you’ll never guess who it is.”

“That’s a pretty good bet. How in the world would I know?”

“Remember hearing about Marie Collins, my look-a-like? She not only could be my twin, she also drives…drove a car the same make, model and color as mine. What are the chances?”

“I guess it’s a good thing she’s in another cellblock. I can just see you losing your newfound temper and decking her.”

Carrie chuckled. “I’m a lover, not a fighter. What I really wish for is to be able to spend some time with Seth. I’m sure Ryan has told him everything, but I owe Seth big time for believing in me. When I get out of this joint, I’m going to find a way to repay him.”

* * * * *

Carrie sat with the girls at their usual table in the rec room. As she placed her bridge hand on the table facing her partner, Susanna, her gaze wandered to a commotion near the door.

Shock and surprise stole the air from her lungs. “Oh, my God!” She gasped in a large breath.

All eyes at the table looked up from their cards and followed her line of vision.

“Jesus,” Susanna exclaimed. “She definitely could be your twin.”

Jet stood next to Marie Collins, a smug and defiant look on her face aimed directly at Carrie.

“What’s she doing here?” Carrie struggled to remain calm and looked to Susanna for an answer.

“I’d guess she’s Jet’s new cellie.” Susanna turned her attention back to her circle of friends. “I wonder what evil plot the two of them are hatching.”

“You can be sure it’s nothing good.” Di slapped an ace of trump on the table.

Ruthie, not involved in the bridge game, rested her back against the table and poked her tongue in and out of the gap in her smile—something she did frequently when she grew nervous. “By the way Jet’s looking at Carrie, I’d say it has something to do with her.” She turned to Carrie. “Did you do something to piss her off?”

“I suppose you might say that.”

“I warned you.” Ruthie patted her side. “She’ll stab you for looking at her crossways.”

“I know, Ruthie, but there comes a time when you have to stand up for yourself. I’ve had enough of her trying to run my life.” Carrie stood.

“Where are you going?” Susanna grabbed her arm.

She shrugged free. “Over to meet my twin. I’m not going to sit here, cower and let them intimidate me.” Her words reflected feigned bravery. Her insides quivered like jelly.

Carrie crossed the rec room on leaden legs. She forced a smile as she approached the duo and extended her hand to Marie. “Well, it’s nice to finally meet the woman who shares my face.”

“Well fuck me,” Marie uttered after her gasp, ignoring the outstretched palm. “I heard tell you favored me, but except for my hair being longer than yours, I feel like I’m lookin’ in a mirror.”

Carrie dropped her arm to her side. “I have to agree. So … what brings you to our block?”

“Oh, didn’t I tell you, Lang?” Jet interrupted. “Marie is my new cellmate, and she promises to be much better when it comes to upholding her end of a deal.” She leaned closer, her warm breath fanning across Carrie’s face. “You’re gonna regret your decision. You can count on it.”

Her bravery shattered, Carrie swallowed hard. Now she had double trouble.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Carrie’s after lunch nap was interrupted by Ogden clanking her baton against the side of the bunk. “Visitor for you, Lang. Get your lazy ass up.”

Popping upright, her heart racing, Carrie knuckled the sleep from her eyes. “Okay, okay. Give me a minute.”

“Stop with the banging already.” Susanna’s sleepy voice drifted up from below.

“Shut your face, Crane, or I’ll use your head instead of the bed rail.” Ogden slammed her baton into the metal several more times.

After sliding to the floor, Carrie jammed her feet into her shoes and quickly ran a comb through her hair. Ogden’s icy stare from the cell door prompted her to hurry.

“I’m ready.” Carrie smoothed the wrinkles from her uniform top and followed Ogden down the corridor. The slamming of iron echoed as the cell doors shut behind her.

Ogden led the way to the visitation lounge, opened the door and motioned for Carrie to enter. “Enjoy your visit, and perhaps when you tell whoever it is ‘goodbye’ you should say it like you mean it.”

A veiled threat? How could someone in a position of authority use her status as a method of intimidation? With any luck, she’d soon be gone and not have to put up with the ugly old troll. The first thing she planned to do was write a letter of complaint to the head of the prison system. Someone needed to know how Ogden used her power to lord over inmates.

Rather than engaging the woman, Carrie simply smiled and took her seat at the first window as she had last time. Within a few minutes, other inmates filed in and filled the vacant chairs. Curiosity danced in her mind like flames on a log. Her heart raced.

Could it be Ryan back already with the news she hoped to hear—the case was ready to be heard? Surely not, but maybe so. If not him, then her father.

As visitors entered through the far door on the opposite side of the glass, Carrie watched and waited, her palms damp, her breathing shallow.

“Daddy,” she murmured as she spotted him entering the room. This time he wore khaki slacks and a light blue polo shirt. Dressed in his casual attire and sporting salt and pepper hair gave him the distinguished look of someone you’d find on a golf course.

He sat and picked up the receiver, his smile genuine. She followed his lead. “Hi, Daddy. Or should I call you Dad, the other seems a little juvenile…but that’s how I remember you.”

“Daddy is fine, my darling. I’m so glad to see you again. How are you?”

“I’m fine. You look amazing.”

“And why wouldn’t I? I’ve been in contact with your P.I. friend, and he tells me he’s very hopeful you’ll soon be able to go home.”

Carrie smiled. “Yes. I’m excited but a little frightened at the same time. The news seems too good to be true.”

“Have faith, my dear, have faith.”

The gleeful look on her father’s face turned serious. “I know this has been very hard for you. I wish I could have been there with you at the beginning—to hold your hand and support you, but—”

She put her finger to her lips. “Hush. I know you would have if you’d known. You’re here now and that’s what matters. And, Daddy, I’m sorry if I was rude last time. I’ve done a lot of thinking, and I really hope you want to be part of my life.”

His smile returned. “Of course, that’s what I want, too. I know that you have no place to go—no job, no car, so I insist you come live with me. I’ve already instructed Mr. Cullen to let me know the minute you’re released so I can be here to pick you up. My wife, Angelina, and your step brother and sister are anxious to meet you and welcome you to the family.”

“Imagine, me with siblings. What are their names and ages?” The idea of having a family again warmed her heart.

“Ronald is fourteen and Amanda is almost twelve. They like the idea of having a big sister.”

“I can’t wait to meet them. Please tell them that for me.”

“I will… and, Carrie darling. I love you. I always have.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “I love you, too, Daddy. Thank you for finding me again.”